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A review by reflectiverambling_nalana
Silver, Sword, and Stone: Three Crucibles in the Latin American Story by Marie Arana
4.0
Silver, Sword, and Stone" by Marie Arana which looks at how exploitation (silver) violence (Sword) and religion (stone) as a cultural memory/history/ tendency? shaped Latin America. Throughout reading this I realized that I am not of the right background to do this book justice. Now that could begin the debate of whether or not this means a non-fiction title has failed in its intent, and I can't claim that either. The information and history is clearly laid out and it has an engaging flow with each section's thesis address. But at the same time, a lack of previous education or cultural knowledge has left me exceptionally ill at ease, deterred this review, and I here acknowledge that I know my educational failings, bias, and privileges of a white millennial are factoring into both my reactions and comprehension.
Latin America is a hard history to read about. That I believe many would know to start with. But reading this book made me doubly ashamed of how little I know about all this to begin with. I believe what would be most beneficial is to seek out reviews from Latin American readers. I believe there is a cultural sensitivity that I am not connecting with. The result is that certain sections of this book not so much a 'wake up call' , educational experience, or even calling someone/thing to task but drip with disdain. It is exceptionally alarming and disorienting.
The author CLEARLY has a lot of love for Latin America and the country she was born in (Peru) but she also has lived in the US for a very very long time. I don't know if she's just not sugar coating things... but the violence section in particular comes off a lot of as "Oh they can't help it. They're naturally blood thirsty." There is a thread of “a lack of opportunity /backed into a corner has led to these actions.” There is some emphasis on inter-generational trauma but I continued to feel this huge disconnect in messaging in the author's voice.
That being said the topic IS fascinating. The thematic approach and angle it tackles history is refreshing. It may disheartening how much I'm learning but it was a valuable experience. We all start somewhere. At the same time I wish it wasn't set up so much on cultural ties-connections then country by country as I know I'm going to have to read SO many more histories before my poorly educated brain really sinks in/remembers what was happening where.
Overall a significant read with a conflicting narrative voice that served as a good reminder of how much more I need to learn.
Latin America is a hard history to read about. That I believe many would know to start with. But reading this book made me doubly ashamed of how little I know about all this to begin with. I believe what would be most beneficial is to seek out reviews from Latin American readers. I believe there is a cultural sensitivity that I am not connecting with. The result is that certain sections of this book not so much a 'wake up call' , educational experience, or even calling someone/thing to task but drip with disdain. It is exceptionally alarming and disorienting.
The author CLEARLY has a lot of love for Latin America and the country she was born in (Peru) but she also has lived in the US for a very very long time. I don't know if she's just not sugar coating things... but the violence section in particular comes off a lot of as "Oh they can't help it. They're naturally blood thirsty." There is a thread of “a lack of opportunity /backed into a corner has led to these actions.” There is some emphasis on inter-generational trauma but I continued to feel this huge disconnect in messaging in the author's voice.
That being said the topic IS fascinating. The thematic approach and angle it tackles history is refreshing. It may disheartening how much I'm learning but it was a valuable experience. We all start somewhere. At the same time I wish it wasn't set up so much on cultural ties-connections then country by country as I know I'm going to have to read SO many more histories before my poorly educated brain really sinks in/remembers what was happening where.
Overall a significant read with a conflicting narrative voice that served as a good reminder of how much more I need to learn.